Nomad Watch

Researched Updated Oct 31, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Essentials

City
Qawra (Il-Qawra) is a zone of the St Paul's Bay local council, in the Northern Region and the Northern District, between Buġibba and Salina. 1 3
Population
Qawra is not counted on its own. St Paul's Bay, which includes Qawra and Buġibba, had 32,042 usual residents at the census of 21 November 2021 and an official estimate of 40,204 on 31 December 2024. Wikipedia puts the council at 38,844 in July 2024, and about 60,000 in summer, especially in Buġibba and Qawra. 2 3
Internet Speed
GO sells home fibre at 1,000 Mbps, with six months free on the current offer, and Plug'n'GO wireless up to 50 Mbps from €27.99 a month. No Qawra speed-test average was on that page. 6
Currency & Banking
Euro (EUR). On 19 October 2026 the ECB rate was 1 EUR = 1.1225 USD, about 0.8909 EUR per USD. 4
Tap Water
Tap water meets EU safety standards but tastes salty, because most of it is desalinated seawater or aquifer water. Bottled water is what many people drink. 9
Power
230 V, 50 Hz, Type G (British three-pin) sockets. 8
SIM Card
GO, Epic and Melita. A GO eSIM can be issued in the GO app before arrival. Smart M is €11.99 for 28 days (15 GB, or 20 GB with auto top-up); Smart Unlimited is €15.99. Epic lists a 500 MB talk pack, a 4 GB data pack and a 10 GB value pack, but not the euro top-up that switches each pack on. 5 9 7
Banking for Expats
Revolut is the standard for nomads; local accounts via MeDirect or BNF Bank
Accommodation
A one-bedroom long let for St Paul's Bay, Buġibba and Qawra is about €600 to €1,100 a month, with €850 typical. MyRent listed six Qawra rentals on 31 October 2026 from €950 to €3,000, including a one-bedroom long let at €950 and a two-bedroom long let at €1,200. 28 29 30
Cashless Friendly
Yes on the buses. From 18 October 2026 to 12 June 2027 a winter day single is €2, bought from the driver with cash or a contactless bank card. 11
Short Term Rentals
A furnished one-bedroom on the St Paul's Bay promenade was asking €150 a night, and the listing said it may no longer be available. For a month in Qawra, long lets on MyRent start at €950. 31 29
Budget Accommodation
Mavina Hotel & Apartments (studios approx. €40/night in shoulder season)
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
On the seafront by the Malta National Aquarium, Triq it-Trunciera, Qawra. 21 36
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Triq it-Turisti area for proximity to cafes and the bus terminus

Culture and Attractions

Historical Sites
Wignacourt Tower, in St Paul's Bay, was built in 1610 and is the oldest surviving watchtower in Malta. Qawra Tower, in this zone, was built in 1638. 3
Must-See Landmarks
Malta National Aquarium, Triq it-Trunciera, Qawra, is open every day 10:00 to 20:00, last entry 19:30. An adult ticket is €17.90 at the door and €16.90 online. 20 21
Museums & Art Venues
Classic Car Collection Museum (Qawra) - €10 entrance
Religious Sites
Qawra's patron is Francis of Assisi. The St Paul's Bay council's patrons also include Our Lady of Sorrows and the Sacred Heart of Mary. 1 3
Annual Events
Isle of MTV (June), Malta International Fireworks Festival (April)
Cultural Districts
Valletta (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 min drive)
Theater Venues
Teatru Manoel (Valletta) for historic performances
Local Markets
It-Tokk (Victoria, Gozo) or Marsaxlokk Sunday Fish Market
Music Scene
Café del Mar Malta is part of the Malta National Aquarium complex on Triq it-Trunciera. 20
Street Art
Murals around the White Rocks area (Pembroke)
Cooking Classes
The Mediterranean Culinary Academy
Art Galleries
MUZA (National Community Art Museum, Valletta)
Historic Buildings
Selmun Palace (Mellieha nearby)
Local Heritage
Luzzu boats (traditional colorful fishing boats)

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
There is no coworking desk in Qawra. The nearest with a published price list is Business Labs, on Triq Dun Karm (the Birkirkara Bypass) in Birkirkara: a day pass is from €20 for 08:00 to 18:00, and a hot desk from €200 a month with 24/7 access. 12
Best Cafe for Work
Coffee Circus Tigne or any Costa Coffee (Bay Square) with free Wi-Fi
Networking Events
Silicon Malta meetups and 'Expats Malta' monthly mixers in St. Julian's
Social Events for Expats
Malta Networkers Facebook group; weekly 'English Speaking' meetups at local bars

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
Bolt and Uber both run ride-hailing across Malta. Wikivoyage puts an airport to Sliema trip at about €19. A Qawra to Valletta fare was not on that page. 9
Bike/Scooter Rental
tallinja Bike pay-per-use is €3 for the first 30 minutes, then €2 per 30 minutes, or €15 for 24 hours. The docking list has no Qawra or Buġibba station. The nearest named docks are St Julian's, Pembroke and the Valletta terminal. 15
Best Beach Nearby
Qawra Point Beach (rocky) or Għadira Bay (sandy, 15 mins by bus)
Top Regional Airline
KM Malta Airlines, the flag carrier that replaced Air Malta, has its hub at Malta International Airport in Luqa. It started flying on 31 March 2024 and codeshares with Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. 13
Top International Airline
Ryanair uses Malta International Airport in Luqa as a base. KM Malta Airlines codeshares with Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines from the same airport. Wikivoyage still names Air Malta as the flag carrier. 13 9
Highway Access
Route 1 runs from Ċirkewwa to Birżebbuġa. Beside this bay it is Dawret San Pawl, the St Paul's Bay Bypass, from Xemxija into Buġibba, then Kennedy Drive toward Salina. The Coast Road, Tul il-Kosta, starts further south at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. 14
Main Train/Transit Hub
The Buġibba Bus Terminal is the local hub. There is no train. Route 31 goes to Valletta via St Paul's Bay, Naxxar, Mater Dei and Msida. Route 212 goes to Sliema via Qawra and St Julian's. Direct route TD1 runs toward the airport, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa. 16 17
Public Transport Passes
A personalised tallinja card is €25 to register, then free on day and night buses, the Sliema and Three Cities ferry, and the Barrakka Lift. tallinja Direct routes are not free. From 18 October 2026 to 12 June 2027 a cash or contactless day single is €2 (summer €2.50, night €3). The Explore Adult 7-day card is €25. 10 11
Regional Travel
Gozo Channel sails from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr. Wikivoyage says the foot return is €4.65, bought at the Gozo end. From the Buġibba terminal, direct route TD1 also runs toward Ċirkewwa and the airport. 9 16

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Mater Dei in Msida is the public acute hospital, with an emergency department, and it is on bus route 31 from the Buġibba terminal. 19 16
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Lotus Yoga Malta (located in nearby Mellieha)
Gyms & Fitness Centers
24/7 Fitness Club lists a one-month membership at €70. The clubs on that page are Mellieħa, San Ġwann, Ta' Qali and Żebbuġ. No Qawra branch was listed, and the price was not €45. 18
Laundry Services
Self-Service Laundry 'The Laundry Room' on Triq San Pawl

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
Wolt and Bolt Food
Best Local Dish to Try
Pastizzi (pea or ricotta cakes) at Sphinx Pastizzeria (€0.50 each)
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Balance Bowl (Gzira) or foam and fork (Marsascala/Gzira delivery)
Best Dessert Spots
Sottozero - The Gelato Factory (Bugibba/Qawra border)
Affordable Shopping Spots
Pavi/Pama Supermarkets and local fruit/veg trucks
E-commerce/Online Store
TheMaltaMarket.com or Forestals for electronics
Grocery Delivery
Greens Supermarket online or Maltasupermarket.com
Bar/Nightlife Area
Bugibba Square; O'Reilly's Irish Pub for casual drinking
Local Brewery
Simonds Farsons Cisk, based in Birkirkara, brews Cisk; there is no brewery in Qawra. 32
Wine Bars
Cheeky Monkey Gastropub (Selection of local and int. wines)
Street Food Stalls
The Submarine (Valletta) or local Kiosks along the Qawra Promenade
Popular International Cuisine
Ta' Kris (Traditional) or L' weza (Asian Fusion)

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Salina Nature Reserve (Bird watching and salt pans) 33
National Parks Nearby
Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park
Cycling/Walking Paths
Qawra to San Pawl il-Baħar promenade (approx 3km walk)
Scenic Viewpoints
Top of the World (Għargħur) for panoramic island views
Birdwatching Locations
Is-Simar Nature Reserve (Xemxija)
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
Permit required via Local Council; usually allowed at Golden Bay in specific zones

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
MaltaPost; DHL Express (Qormi central hub)
Tech Repair Services
iCentre (Apple Authorized) or various local shops in Bugibba
Table Tennis Spots
Malta Young Christian Workers (YCW) community halls
Language Classes
IELS Malta or Malta University Language School
Libraries & Study Spots
National Library (Valletta) or Qawra Public Library
Community Centers
St. Paul's Bay Local Council community hall
Gaming Lounges
Eden Esports (St. Julian's)
Casino & Gaming Halls
Oracle Casino is the seafront casino in Qawra, run by Tumas Gaming. Its site is live and says the Oracle Casino Bistro inside is closed for refurbishment; it prints no opening hours or street address. 34 35

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and Qawra (opened 31 October 2026; e.g. 40 m² ≈ €149,800). The figure is not split by bedrooms or by Qawra versus the rest of the council. 27
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and Qawra (opened 31 October 2026; e.g. 40 m² ≈ €149,800). The figure is not split by bedrooms or by Qawra versus the rest of the council. 27
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and Qawra (opened 31 October 2026; e.g. 60 m² ≈ €224,700). The figure is not split by bedrooms or by Qawra versus the rest of the council. 27
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and Qawra (opened 31 October 2026; e.g. 60 m² ≈ €224,700). The figure is not split by bedrooms or by Qawra versus the rest of the council. 27
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and Qawra (opened 31 October 2026; e.g. 80 m² ≈ €299,600). The figure is not split by bedrooms or by Qawra versus the rest of the council. 27
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and Qawra (opened 31 October 2026; e.g. 80 m² ≈ €299,600). The figure is not split by bedrooms or by Qawra versus the rest of the council. 27
Corporate Tax
35% flat on company profits. There is no separate corporation tax. From the rules published on 2 September 2025, an entity can elect 15% on chargeable income for at least five years; that tax is final and gives no imputation refund. 23
Dividend Withholding Tax
No withholding on dividends paid to non-residents. Malta uses full imputation, so the tax is the 35% already charged on the company. A 15% withholding can apply to a distribution of untaxed income to a resident individual, and in a few related cases. 25
Tax System
People who are both domiciled and ordinarily resident are taxed on worldwide income. Someone ordinarily resident but not domiciled is taxed on Malta-source income and on foreign income received in Malta, not on foreign capital gains. Non-residents are taxed only on Malta-source income and gains. 22
Highest Income Tax Bracket
35% on chargeable income over €60,000 (2026). For a single person the first €12,000 is taxed at 0%. 22
VAT
18% standard VAT. A reduced 7% applies to eligible accommodation, and 5% to electricity and some other supplies. 24
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes. Malta's ATAD rules have applied since 1 January 2019. A foreign entity is a CFC when a Malta resident holds more than 50% and the foreign tax is lower than the Malta tax that would have been charged. 26
Property Tax
No annual tax on owning a home, and no wealth tax. Tax on property is charged when it is transferred. 24
Property Transaction Tax
The buyer pays stamp duty of 5% on the higher of price or real value. The seller generally pays a final withholding tax of 8% of the transfer value (10% if the property was acquired before 1 January 2004). Other rates apply in some cases. 24
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
Nomad Residence Permit holders pay 10% on authorised remote-work income, and that income is generally exempt in the first year. New applicants need €42,000 a year gross (€3,500 a month); the application fee is €300 per person, excluding card fees, and the permit runs one year, renewable to four. This is not a zero-tax regime; other income follows the normal rules. 22 37

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 31, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. Wikipedia Qawra, a zone of St Paul's BayReference
  2. City Population, St Paul's Bay census and 2024 estimateReference
  3. Wikipedia St Paul's Bay, population, towers and patronsReference
  4. ECB euro reference rates, 19 October 2026Official
  5. GO Smart top-up plans and visitor eSIMOfficial
  6. GO home internet, 1000 Mbps and Plug'n'GOOfficial
  7. Epic prepaid top-up pack allowancesOfficial
  8. Malta plugs, 230 V 50 Hz Type GSecondary
  9. Wikivoyage Malta, water, SIM, buses, ferry, ridesSecondary
  10. Personalised tallinja card, 25 euro, free travelOfficial
  11. Malta Public Transport fares, winter single 2 euroOfficial
  12. Business Labs coworking, day pass from 20 euro, hot desk from 200 euro, Triq Dun KarmOfficial
  13. KM Malta Airlines, replaced Air Malta on 31 March 2024Reference
  14. Wikipedia roads, Route 1 through St Paul's BayReference
  15. tallinja Bike fares and docking stationsOfficial
  16. Bugibba Bus Terminal routesOfficial
  17. OSM Buġibba bus station way, named Buġibba, no street on the objectReference
  18. 24/7 Fitness Club, one month 70 euro, club listOfficial
  19. Mater Dei, public acute hospital in MsidaReference
  20. Malta National Aquarium tickets, adult 17.90 euro at the door, 16.90 online, last entry 19:30Official
  21. OSM aquarium, Triq it-Trunciera, opening hours 10:00 to 20:00Reference
  22. PwC Malta personal income tax, reviewed 30 September 2026Secondary
  23. PwC Malta corporate tax 35 percent and 15 percent electionSecondary
  24. PwC Malta VAT, stamp duty and property transfer taxSecondary
  25. PwC Malta dividend withholdingSecondary
  26. PwC Malta controlled foreign company rules from 2019Secondary
  27. Djar St Paul's Bay sale median 3,745 euro per square metreListings
  28. Maltaexpat 2026 St Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra rentsSecondary
  29. MyRent Qawra long lets from 950 euroListings
  30. MyRent 1-bed apartment long let Qawra 950 euroListings
  31. MyRent St Paul's Bay short let 150 euro a night, flagged unavailableListings
  32. Wikipedia Simonds Farsons Cisk, brewery based in BirkirkaraReference
  33. BirdLife Malta Salina Nature Reserve, salt pans and hidesOfficial
  34. Oracle Casino site, live, seafront casino, bistro in refurbishmentOfficial
  35. OSM Oracle Casino node, Qawra, no street on the objectReference
  36. Malta National Aquarium home, hours 10:00 to 20:00, complex at Qawra PointOfficial
  37. PwC Nomad Residence Permit, 3,500 euro a month income floor, 300 euro fee, four yearsSecondary

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €288,000) About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and…
    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €4,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €360,000) About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and…
    • Accommodation Mixture of holiday apartments and long-term rentals via QuickLets or Zanzi Homes A one-bedroom long let for St Paul's Bay, Buġibba and Qawra is about €600 to €1,100 a…
    38 more changes
    • Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Nomad Residence Permit: 10% tax rate on income derived from 'Authorized Work' Nomad Residence Permit holders pay 10% on authorised remote-work income, and that income…
    • Best Area to Stay for Tourists Qawra Point or near the Malta National Aquarium for sea views On the seafront by the Malta National Aquarium, Triq it-Trunciera, Qawra.
    • Best Coworking Space SOHO Office Space (The Strand, Sliema - 30 mins away) or locally: Glashaus (St. Julian's) There is no coworking desk in Qawra. The nearest with a published price list is Business…
    • Best Hospital Mater Dei Hospital (Msida) or St. James Hospital (Private, Sliema/Zejtun) Mater Dei in Msida is the public acute hospital, with an emergency department, and it is…
    • Best Taxi/Ride App Bolt, Uber, and eCabs (average ride to Valletta: €18-€25) Bolt and Uber both run ride-hailing across Malta. Wikivoyage puts an airport to Sliema…
    • Bike/Scooter Rental Tallinja Bike or Whizascoot (electric scooters) approx. €0.25/minute tallinja Bike pay-per-use is €3 for the first 30 minutes, then €2 per 30 minutes, or €15…
    • Cashless Friendly Yes, contactless payment accepted in 95% of establishments Yes on the buses. From 18 October 2026 to 12 June 2027 a winter day single is €2, bought…
    • Casino & Gaming Halls Oracle Casino (Qawra, located in the Dolmen Hotel) Oracle Casino is the seafront casino in Qawra, run by Tumas Gaming. Its site is live and…
    • City Qawra, St. Paul's Bay, Northern Region, Malta Qawra (Il-Qawra) is a zone of the St Paul's Bay local council, in the Northern Region and…
    • Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, in line with EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD) Yes. Malta's ATAD rules have applied since 1 January 2019. A foreign entity is a CFC when…
    • Corporate Tax 35% (effectively 5% for non-residents after refunds) 35% flat on company profits. There is no separate corporation tax. From the rules…
    • Currency & Banking Euro (€). 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD. Major banks: BOV, HSBC Malta. Euro (EUR). On 19 October 2026 the ECB rate was 1 EUR = 1.1225 USD, about 0.8909 EUR per…
    • Dividend Withholding Tax 0% (Malta follows a full imputation system) No withholding on dividends paid to non-residents. Malta uses full imputation, so the tax…
    • Gyms & Fitness Centers Cynergi Health & Fitness or 24/7 Fitness Club (Qawra branch - €45/month) 24/7 Fitness Club lists a one-month membership at €70. The clubs on that page are…
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 35% 35% on chargeable income over €60,000 (2026). For a single person the first €12,000 is…
    • Highway Access Route 1 (Coast Road) connecting North to the Airport and South Route 1 runs from Ċirkewwa to Birżebbuġa. Beside this bay it is Dawret San Pawl, the St…
    • Historical Sites Wignacourt Tower (St. Paul's Bay) Wignacourt Tower, in St Paul's Bay, was built in 1610 and is the oldest surviving…
    • Internet Speed Average 100-500 Mbps via Melita or GO fiber optics GO sells home fibre at 1,000 Mbps, with six months free on the current offer, and…
    • Local Brewery Lord Chambray (Gozo-based) or Farsons (Cisk Lager) Simonds Farsons Cisk, based in Birkirkara, brews Cisk; there is no brewery in Qawra.
    • Main Train/Transit Hub Bugibba Bay Bus Terminus (Direct routes to Valletta, Sliema, Cirkewwa) The Buġibba Bus Terminal is the local hub. There is no train. Route 31 goes to Valletta…
    • Music Scene Cafe del Mar (Summer sunset sessions and DJ sets) Café del Mar Malta is part of the Malta National Aquarium complex on Triq it-Trunciera.
    • Must-See Landmarks Malta National Aquarium (€15 admission) Malta National Aquarium, Triq it-Trunciera, Qawra, is open every day 10:00 to 20:00, last…
    • Population Approx. 23,000 (as part of St. Paul's Bay municipality) Qawra is not counted on its own. St Paul's Bay, which includes Qawra and Buġibba, had…
    • Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G (UK style) sockets 230 V, 50 Hz, Type G (British three-pin) sockets.
    • Property Tax No recurring annual property tax; only stamp duty on purchase No annual tax on owning a home, and no wealth tax. Tax on property is charged when it is…
    • Property Transaction Tax 5% Stamp Duty on the value of the property The buyer pays stamp duty of 5% on the higher of price or real value. The seller generally…
    • Public Transport Passes Tallinja Card - Personalized card offers free bus travel for residents A personalised tallinja card is €25 to register, then free on day and night buses, the…
    • Regional Travel Gozo Channel Ferry from Cirkewwa (€4.65 return) to Gozo Island Gozo Channel sails from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr. Wikivoyage says the foot return is €4.65…
    • Religious Sites Parish Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Qawra's patron is Francis of Assisi. The St Paul's Bay council's patrons also include Our…
    • SIM Card Epic, GO, and Melita. Prepaid 10GB data plan approx. €15-€20 GO, Epic and Melita. A GO eSIM can be issued in the GO app before arrival. Smart M is…
    • Short Term Rentals Airbnb and Booking.com; off-season (Oct-May) rates around €800-€1,200/month A furnished one-bedroom on the St Paul's Bay promenade was asking €150 a night, and the…
    • Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €5,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €208,000) About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and…
    • Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €152,000) About €3,745 per m² on the live St Paul's Bay listing median, which covers Buġibba and…
    • Tap Water Safe but brackish taste; most residents use reverse osmosis or buy 19L jugs (€5.00) Tap water meets EU safety standards but tastes salty, because most of it is desalinated…
    • Tax System Remittance basis of taxation for non-domiciled residents People who are both domiciled and ordinarily resident are taxed on worldwide income…
    • Top International Airline Ryanair (hub), Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines Ryanair uses Malta International Airport in Luqa as a base. KM Malta Airlines codeshares…
    • Top Regional Airline Air Malta (KM Malta Airlines) KM Malta Airlines, the flag carrier that replaced Air Malta, has its hub at Malta…
    • VAT 18% standard rate 18% standard VAT. A reduced 7% applies to eligible accommodation, and 5% to electricity…

    fix pass, country lines and prices. Power reads 230 volt 50 hertz Type G British three-pin like every other Malta city. Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads adds the 42,000 euro income floor and the 300 euro application fee (pwc.com), and Controlled Foreign Company Rules takes the common Malta wording. Studio Purchase Price (City Center), Studio Purchase Price (Outside City), 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center), 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City), 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) and 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) use the reopened live median of about 3,745 euro per square metre, from 3,754 five days earlier (djar.ai).

Continue exploring Qawra

Free views Sign up free